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Will Ferrell,
Elder
Among the many purposes of the
Visitation Ministry, the chief purpose is to visit people in order
to show that they matter and that we care about them.
Anyone needing encouragement, comfort, or a sense
of belonging would profit from a visit. While that could include
everyone, there are certain individuals who especially need to be
reminded that they aren't forgotten. These are people who can feel
rather lonely at times.
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Elderly people still
living independently especially if they are shut-ins.
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Elderly or disabled people
living in nursing homes.
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People who are sick for a
prolonged period of time.
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People who are
hospitalized.
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Bereaved people.
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People in crisis.
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 We
could add visitors who may be encouraged to return.
Many a preacher
has fallen under criticism for failure to do enough visitations.
Realistically however, if the preacher is to adequately prepare
sermons, counsel, and provide general leadership for the church,
little time remains to visit everyone. Some congregations have hired
a visitation minister to bridge the gap. Some congregations have a
visitation committee or team to share the load. This is what the
Central Church of Christ is in the process of doing. Visitation is
a congregational effort, not an individual effort. If we are
truly going to express care for one another, then we must go where
the people are. We must lay aside our busy schedules and excuses and
make people a priority.
How nice it is when the minister from our congregation visits in a
time of need. How encouraging if another member also visits during
this time of crisis. But to have numerous people visit over the
course of time,
now there's a caring church.
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